A new chapter is being opened on the former Comadur site
The Comadur site in Thun was once the location of a renowned watch factory. It is characterised by its historical charm, its strategic location and its great potential for mixed use. The attractive location at the entrance to the city centre offers many opportunities for Thun's future.
High-quality and identity-creating development
The project vision for the development /
reuse of the former Comadur site is to develop an urban, mixed-use, identity-creating neighbourhood component with high-quality buildings and open spaces in the short to medium term. Accordingly, the city of Thun and the client (Pension Fund of the Swiss Bar Association (PKSAV)) carried out a multi-stage planning process. The aim was to sound out the potential of the site in a study of design variants, to secure the urban planning qualities as part of a project competition in accordance with SIA Ordinance 142 and to define these under planning law in a zone with planning obligation (ZPP).
The winning project “Capybara“
The winning project “Capybara” forms the basis for the development of the Comadur site at Bernstrasse 11. It sets new accents in a heterogeneous environment with innovative urban planning and architectural measures. The three characterful buildings – the “Stadthaus”, the “Gartenhaus” and the “Anbau” – merge creatively with the existing structure of the neighbourhood. They form a coherent ensemble that impresses with its density, diversity and clear identities. A central element of the design is the connecting inner courtyard. It not only creates a seamless integration of the new buildings, but also promotes dialogue with the surrounding neighbourhood. The skilful combination of materials, colours and textures creates an interplay between the history of Comadur and the contemporary elements of the project.
Sustainable design
The project is of a very high quality in various aspects. In addition to the visible and appealing design, sustainability considerations and the consideration of grey energy as well as a conscious and careful use of materials play an important role. The project offers a balanced mix of aesthetics, sustainability and integration into the existing neighbourhood.
Diverse and lively “neighbourhood piece“
The focus of the site development is on the realisation of contemporary forms of housing. Around 60 new flats are planned. The residential units are diverse and specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of potential residents. This residential use will be supplemented by additional uses that are adapted to the location and orientated towards the public. In this way, a lively and identity-creating neighbourhood component is being created.
Conclusion
The site development at Bernstrasse 11 presents itself as a visionary project that honours the past and at the same time provides forward-looking impetus. The winning project “Capybara” shows how history and the present can be combined in a densely populated area, always focussing on quality and care.